DESCRIBED AS SENSATIONALISM AND WILD EXAGGERATION.

North Otago Times, Volume CVII, Issue 17165, 23 March 1927, Page 5

DESCRIBED AS SENSATIONALISM AND WILD EXAGGERATION.

— PrcsB AsEOciatloE-

(Au*trc.lia3 and N.Z. Press Association.)

i (Cablo-

— Oopvrirbt.)

LONDON, March 21. "Sensationalism and wild exaggeration" is the official circle's description of the week-end's reports of the Balkan crisis. Official despatches do not confirm the rumours of serious warlike movements and preparations either by the Albanian or Jugo-Slavia. The authorities point out that armed' raids by hanjdits living in the 'mountainsaround the northern corner of Albania occur every spring. Those well-informed do not hesitate to ascribe to Mussolini. the role of the villain of the piece. ( They consider that Mussolini, realising that the Dosition of the President of Albania is very weak, is simply > making another of his dramatic | moves, with probably a no more j serious aim that to deflect Italian , opinion from internal to foreign i affairs. Nevertheless, Mussolini is credited with "sufficient sense, insight, and goodwill not to allow a storm in a teacup to go too far." i The official description of the British policy is a readiness to use her good ofiices, if and when an opportunity is offered, either by reference to the League or otherwise, hut a determination not to associate herself definitely with either Jugo-Slavia or .Italy. The ' Jugo-Slavian Foreign Minister's franlc and open invitation for an inquiry into Italy's specific complaints against her is welcomed in Downing street, where it is at present interpreted as. showing that Jugo-Slavia has nothing to hide, and that Italy's charges have no serious foundation. The Foreign Office confidently anticipates th^t the trouble will soon be smoothed out.